Zusi (train simulator)

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Zusi
Basic data

developer Carsten Hölscher
Current  version 3.4.0.0
(June 2020)
operating system Windows
category Train simulation
License commercial software
German speaking Yes
www.zusi.de

Zusi is a railway driving simulation for Windows by Carsten Hölscher for the professional and hobby sector with a focus on Germany.

The focus of this train simulation is the authentic simulation of signaling and safety systems as well as the dynamic properties of locomotives and trains . The developer and distributor is Carsten Hölscher from Braunschweig.

Development history

Zusi is programmed in the Delphi language. The first demo version of the simulator was published on December 21, 2000, the first full version followed on March 24, 2001. It already contained the untextured polygon representation of the landscape, which is characteristic of Zusi versions 1 and 2, back then implemented with the so-called retained mode of DirectX . The driver's cab display and background noise were still rudimentary. Zusi saw himself as the successor to Railsim, which was very popular in the German-speaking countries at the time , and whose developer stopped developing Railsim in favor of Zusi , although it was only based on Germany. In order to get to a pool of navigable routes more quickly, Railsim routes could be converted into Zusi format from summer 2001 . In November 2001, Zusi Version 2.0 appeared, which for the first time contained engine sound and photo-realistic driver's cabs. From autumn 2001, additional software enabled the construction of routes with original route parameters and altitude, and later also the direct implementation of digital elevation models in Zusi landscapes. From version 2.3 of September 23, 2002, trains are no longer limited to one direction of travel, but can change direction at certain points in the route network by specifying them in the timetable. Since summer 2004, driving data can be output to third party software via TCP. With version 2.4, the graphics engine was re-implemented based on the immediate mode of DirectX 9, and from version 2.4.6.0 Zusi 2 supports the display of textured objects. In view of the end of the product life of version 2, textured objects are only used sparingly.

Zusi version 2

particularities

The main strength of the Zusi Version 2 lies in the level of detail and the faithfulness of the physics and signal simulation. Complete route networks that can be used by several trains at the same time are simulated. The train operation is regulated by a complex algorithm that takes on the role of dispatcher based on the timetables of each train . The trains influence each other so that delays can affect the entire route network. Foreign trains are driven by autopilots; you can change the train to be guided during the simulation.

The signaling and safety systems (mainly signals used in Germany) are also simulated true to the original.

Zusi is continuously being further developed, whereby suggestions from the users are also incorporated into the development. Users of the program can download these updates free of charge. You can also create routes yourself with an editor included in the Zusi package .

Functions

In the following some aspects of the railway operation are mentioned, which are reproduced in Zusi (Version 2.4) or the routes and vehicles available for this.

Regular train journeys according to the timetable are in the foreground , but shunting and blocking journeys are also possible, whereby shunting journeys must also be carried out according to the given timetable.

The virtual train driver must operate safety systems such as SIFA , PZB / Indusi , LZB and GNT and comply with the maximum speeds and braking curves specified by them. Speed restrictions and other changes in speed can Geschwindigkeitsprüfabschnitte be hedged.

Further, the brakes (must Indirect brake with various driver brake valves , auxiliary brake depending on the vehicle, and a dynamic brake or magnetic rail brake ), the drive (depending on the cab hand wheel or lever, gear selection or traction plate ; also up-down control , combination lever and AFB come in front), sand spreader , macro microphone and the doors (various door control systems ) can be operated. Braking position and braking percentage are taken into account in a simplified model in which all vehicles have a uniform braking position and all brakes on the train are computationally combined into a single powerful brake. Effects such as the breakdown speed of pressure changes in the main air line can only be considered approximately.

The German signal systems H / V signal system (as form and light signals), Hl signal system and Ks signal system are simulated, as well as protection signals / blocking signals , additional signals , level crossing signals , slow-speed signals and secondary signals . Here be driveway dependent speed limits is signaled (Hp2 and / or Zs3) and compliance recorded including the subsequent soft portion . Trips on a substitute signal or on command , different kinds of opposite track trips , level crossing faults occur randomly and must be handled correctly.

On some routes, foreign (e.g. Swiss) or other German signal systems are used.

At the end of the journey, progress graphics (speeds over distance or time as well as events) and an evaluation are displayed. Speeding and safety-related errors (such as a non-pressed PZB vigilant button with the following emergency braking ) lead to deductions. Also included are: delays, vehicle overloads due to skidding or excess current, errors in door release and train supervision . The energy requirement for the journey is determined.

Preparatory actions ( upgrading , train formation , brake test ), train radio, vehicle malfunctions (beyond operating errors) and accidents are not shown. Changing locomotives and coupling wagons are shown to the extent that the train appears in the new state after it has stopped. Changes of direction are only possible at prepared points in the route network.

Graphic representation

The graphic representation of the scenery is limited to untextured polygonal lines . In addition to one's own movement, the other active trains are shown moving. Depending on the respective route, road vehicles and ships are sometimes also shown moving. Signals and level crossings are animated in a simplified manner.

The driver's cabs of the locomotives are not created as a three-dimensional model, but usually represented very realistically by means of photo backgrounds, created from original recordings. Levers, switches and handwheels as well as pointer instruments (for brake line pressure , speed, motor speed / motor current, tractive force, etc.) and indicator lights are moved or animated depending on the situation.

The book timetable is displayed in an additional window with the operating points , permissible speeds and travel times.

vehicles

The focus is clearly on journeys with electric and diesel powered locomotives. Steam locomotives only appear marginally, there is no suitable drive model for them in Zusi 2. Various trains are driven with a control car. Depending on the type of leading vehicle, the existing Indusi system (I54, I60, I60R, PZB90 V1.5 / 1.6, PZ80, PZ80R or Integra-Signum ) must be operated, as well as the LZB or GNT, if available on the train and track side . Some vehicles are available with multiple paintwork and / or driver's cabs, which differ, for example, in the Indusi system or in the presence of the LZB.

stretch

In the inventory mentioned there are a number of replicas of real routes as well as fantasy routes. The routes have very different sizes, the level of detail, prototype year (epoch) and prototyping also vary. Examples include:

Supplied tools

In addition to the actual simulation program, the program package includes various editors that enable you to create your own route networks, scenery objects and vehicles. Since these editors are structured like professional CAD / CAE software, in contrast to the editors with products like Trainz, some training period is required.

Complementary programs

The simulator can output the current driving data almost in real time via a binary TCP -based protocol and can therefore be supplemented by additional programs. The programs currently available that use this interface include software that simulates many functions of the diagnostic and EBuLa displays on modern locomotives . Since the current version of the simulator cannot realistically display the background noise of three-phase electric locomotives, another additional program was developed that generates the noises based on the driving data. The programs mentioned can be downloaded separately free of charge.

Zusi version 3

Version 3 was released after several years of development. For the first time there are separate versions for training purposes and for private customers.

Zusi 3 hobby

Due to the increased development effort of the private customer version compared to the version for training in the commercial sector, Zusi 3 for private customers (Zusi 3 Hobby) was only released in February 2016. Since November 2011 there is, however, a Beta - Demo -Issue of retail version. In addition to self-distribution by the developer, Zusi 3 has also been available as an Aerosoft Edition from the publisher Aerosoft in retail stores and as a download since June 18, 2019 .

The graphical representation in Zusi 3 is based on textured objects. The driving physics have been refined again compared to the previous version. In version 3, for example, the control behavior can be mapped to fill-up instead of speed-controlled diesel engines and the compressed air brakes in the train are calculated individually with their individual braking position and other properties. Timetable changes of direction of travel are no longer restricted to prepared points in the network, as with Zusi 2, but are possible in any track that is limited on both sides by main signals.

Version 3.3, published in July 2019, integrates the additional external software ZusiDisplay for the prototypical and fully functional display of the technical control panels ( electronic book timetable , diagnostic display, passenger information and train radio display) directly in the display of the driver's cab. In addition, the train control systems simulated in Zusi have been supplemented by the ETCS .

Scope of the demo version

The demo version of Zusi 3 contains the Altenbeken – Bad-Driburg section of the Altenbeken – Kreiensen railway line (as well as adjacent sections) and provides the following types of locomotives:

stretch

The route networks in Zusi 3 are modularly expandable. A route module typically comprises a train station and the adjacent free routes. The official track inventory of the Hobby version (as of January 2020) represents a total of 1,166 kilometers of the entire DB network (1,288 kilometers with the individual modules that are not yet in the official inventory). Currently (as of February 2020) the replicas of the following connections can be used:

In addition to the faithfully reproduced routes, replicas of disused railway lines can also be used:

Zusi 3 Professional

Trainable simulator class 185 electric locomotive based on Zusi 3

Zusi 3 is also being marketed professionally by developer Carsten Hölscher. For example, the railway manufacturer Bombardier Transportation presented an assistance system for energy-saving driving at InnoTrans 2008, which was linked to a Zusi version for demonstration purposes. Together with cabs as replicas of original driver's cabs, Zusi-based simulators are used by railway training providers to support train driver training. Zusi 3 is also used in university research and teaching at various universities.

Community

The variety of route networks available for Zusi 2 and now also for Zusi 3 (replicas of prototypical routes as well as fantasy routes) and expansions such as rolling stock or additional programs for route design is made possible by a large Zusi fan base. In addition to a lively exchange of experiences in internet forums , regular user meetings take place at various locations.

Web links

Commons : Zusi (train simulator)  - collection of images

swell

  1. ↑ Version overview 1.1. (No longer available online.) Archived from the original on July 2, 2010 ; accessed on September 14, 2017 .
  2. ↑ Documentation on Zusi 2.4, as of 2011
  3. ↑ (Zusi2 inventory) /Documentation/pzb.htm
  4. ↑ Leonidas Anagnostakis: Be careful on the platform, the train is arriving: ZUSI 3 - Aerosoft Edition is available from today. In: GamesUnit.de. June 18, 2019, accessed October 16, 2019 .
  5. ↑ Echoray1: State of the Train Simulator - 2020 Edition on YouTube , June 15, 2020, accessed August 9, 2020.
  6. ↑ Lutz Fights: From the console to the driver's cab: Keolis advertises with a new simulation for offspring. In: Westfälischer Anzeiger . June 22, 2019, accessed October 16, 2019 .